Effigy
wooden tower, ego stronghold of safety and smug comfort
now reduced to rubble, burnt timber and ash
its vacuous impregnability destroyed by conscious rebellion
cinder and embers are all that remain
consumed in a fire of self-sabotage
punishment for crimes committed long ago
it once surveyed a lofty view of surrounding countryside
landscape dotted with rival watchtowers
each protecting its master’s vain self-disguise
angry child resultantly pillages
burning old bridges once carefully constructed
over years of familiarity
friendships based on lies, manipulation and convenience
each frenemy targeted then attacked
their towers set ablaze through spite and judgement
mesmerized by dancing flames, the child revels
no regrets no remorse no quarter
in the aftermath
nothing remains but bones, dust and ruin
how to rebuild again upon this foundation of scorched earth?
how indeed
